Attacker at Trump Dinner Targeted Government Officials, Acting Attorney General Says
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
WASHINGTON D.C. — The armed man who attempted to breach the ballroom during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner allegedly aimed to target members of the Trump administration, including 'probably' President Donald Trump, according to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday. Blanche stated that authorities believe the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where he checked into the hotel hosting one of Washington's most glamorous events on Saturday night. Trump was swiftly evacuated from the stage when gunshots were heard. The 31-year-old suspect is in custody and faces charges. In an interview on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Blanche explained that while the motive remains under investigation, the suspect's electronic devices and interviews with acquaintances suggest a planned attack on administration officials. 'We believe he intended to target individuals working in the administration, likely including the president,' Blanche said, urging caution as the investigation is still in its early stages. The suspect breached the Washington Hilton hotel's security perimeter by only 'a few meters' before being intercepted by the Secret Service, Blanche noted. Authorities reconstructed the suspect's journey, revealing he traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington D.C., where he checked into the hotel one or two days before the event. The suspect purchased the two firearms used in the attack 'within the last two years,' Blanche said. Initial evidence suggests he acted alone, but this assessment could change as investigators gather more information. The suspect was arrested and taken to a local hospital for evaluation, though authorities confirmed he was not injured by gunfire during the incident. Blanche also confirmed the suspect is not cooperating with investigators and is expected to be formally charged in federal court in the District of Columbia on Monday.